Join us for an exclusive and energizing informational Zoom conversation with three newly elected California Members of Congress who flipped Republican seats in 2024. Hear firsthand how they won tough races, what they’ve been learning in their first term, and how we can continue to support their efforts. Many of us have gotten to know them through their candidacies – donating, attending events, door knocking, making calls, and postcarding – and our efforts paid off as they all won very tight races. Thank you for whatever part you played.
This event will be moderated by Billy Ray, Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and director, and passionate activist for Democracy.
When: Tuesday, June 10th, 3:00 pm PT
Who:
George Whitesides 27th District (Northern LA County, including Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita)
Before entering politics, Whitesides held prominent roles in the aerospace sector, including serving as Chief of Staff at NASA and as CEO of Virgin Galactic. He is the Vice Ranking Member on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where he contributes to shaping policies on innovation and research. Additionally, he serves on the House Armed Services Committee. Whitesides unseated Republican incumbent Mike Garcia, a former Navy fighter pilot, in a closely contested race that flipped the district to Democratic control.
Derek Tran 45th District (Parts of Orange and LA Counties, around Anaheim, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley)
Born in Los Angeles County in 1980, Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees who fled the Communist regime in Vietnam. He grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, working in his family’s corner market after school. Tran served in the U.S. Army and later became a consumer rights attorney. He serves as the Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee within the House Small Business Committee, influencing oversight of federal regulations and ensuring accountability in small business programs. Tran narrowly defeated
Republican incumbent Michelle Steel in one of the most competitive and expensive House races. Tran’s victory marked a significant political shift in a district with a large Asian American population, including the nation’s largest Vietnamese community.
Adam Gray 13th District (San Joaquin Valley, including Merced, Madera, and southern Modesto)
A native of Merced, Gray previously served in the California State Assembly from 2012 to 2022, representing the Central Valley. His legislative focus has been on water policy, agriculture, education, and infrastructure—key issues for his district. In Congress, Gray holds a leadership role as the Whip of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of centrist Democrats advocating for fiscal responsibility and bipartisan solutions. He also serves on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees. He narrowly unseated Republican incumbent John Duarte in the 2024 election, winning by fewer than 200 votes in one of the nation’s closest and final House races to be decided.
This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into what it takes to win and to govern as the minority party in these very challenging times. Come with questions, bring a friend, and get inspired.
Event Hosts:
The PoD (a community in SB dedicated to Protecting our Democracy)
Leslie Bhutani ~ Gary Bradhering ~ Michele Cuttler ~ Ann Daniel ~ Deborah David ~ Jane Eagleton ~ Jill Finsten ~ Patricia French ~ Martha Gabbert ~ Sheraton Kalouria ~ Beryl Kreisel ~ Dorothy Largay ~ John Lewis ~ Ed McKinley ~ Claudette Roehrig ~ Susan Rose ~ Nancy Sheldon ~ Merryl Zegar
